System for retaining a piercing without a clasp

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a monolithic piercing (1) designed to be inserted in a previously pierced hole in the skin of a user, the piercing comprising: •—a tip (110), configured to allow guiding and suitable presentation of an expansion bulb during its insertion into the hole in the skin; •—the expansion bulb, (120), having an ovoid profile and variable cross-section having a plurality of different perimeters, only one of which is maximum, the bulb (120) being configured to ensure a gradual and painless expansion of the skin during guiding of the piercing into the hole; •—a rod (200) configured to adapt to the tunnel hole of the skin and enabling support of the piercing; •—an end portion (300) consisting of an ornamental relief, which has a volume and/or a characteristic dimension that is sufficiently large to prevent the piercing from passing through the hole in the skin; and •—wherein the tip (110), the bulb (120) and the rod (200) cooperate in order to ensure a triple function of insertion, holding in place and removal of the piercing allowed by the guiding and expansion of the hole; •—wherein the perimeter PB of any cross-section of the bulb (120) is greater than the perimeter PP of any cross-section of the tip (110) and than the perimeter PT of any cross-section of the rod (200); and •—wherein the weight of the ornamental end portion (300) is less than or equal to the combined weight of the tip (110) and the bulb (120).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention belongs to the field of jewelry and and inparticular to systems for attaching piercings and in particular to thoseof chip-type earrings.

STATE OF THE ART

The word “piercing” is used in the sense of jewelry and not in the senseof the act of piercing.

The word “hole” refers to an artificial hole made in the epidermis of anindividual, obviously beforehand and perfectly healed, in order to placean ornament of the piercing type. We therefore understand by piercing asynonym of “jewel”, the jewel being configured to be able to be insertedinto a hole in the skin.

Only piercings intended for full skin holes, without cartilage, areconsidered. Only holes in the form of a tunnel are considered, whichhave an entrance and an exit (arch, navel, earlobes, non-exhaustive list. . . ) to be opposed to the holes made for microdermal piercings, whichhave an entrance but no exit (neck, cheekbones, wrists . . . )

In the known state of the art, there are several ways to keep a piercingin position in a hole. It should be noted that the word “piercing” usedwithout anatomical precision means any body location, while earlobepiercings are called earrings.

Regarding the subject matter of body piercings, it is worth mentioningin particular the types of ornament by the name of Labret, Barbell andBanane well known to a person skilled in the art. These three items aremade up of a central rod, straight or curved, and two more voluminousand ornamental ends, at least one of which can be unscrewed and servesas a clasp. The two ends of the piercing, once it is in place, are onthe surface of the skin while the rod passes through the hole.

The disadvantages of such systems are:

-   -   wear, breakage and/or loss of the clasp,    -   bacterial colonization of the clasp, due to its shape (hollow        parts, screw thread, etc.).

As far as ear piercings are concerned, we know several techniques forkeeping an earring in position.

In the system of “ear chips” or nails—which are most commonly found—theornamental part of the earring is placed on the front face of the lobeand is visible, while the part ensuring the holding the jewel remainsconcealed on the posterior face of the lobe.

The ornamental part is fixed on a rod which crosses the lobe by the holeand which receives a removable part called clasp. The latter slides onthe rod by friction.

This clasp can be made of metal, silicone, rubber, and takes severalforms and denominations in the known state of the art: butterflies,strollers, Alpa, stop .froufrou. . . .

The disadvantages of this type of system are known, in particular:

-   -   wear of friction parts (loss of retention), deformation or        breakage of clasps, as well as the loss of said clasp which        renders the earring unusable until a clasp is purchased.    -   bacterial colonization of the clasp facilitated by the shape        (hollows and crevices) and/or the quality of the constituent        material (silicone or rubber become porous).    -   their discomfort insofar as these clasps make their presence        felt by the user as soon as the latter presses on his earlobe,        in particular when lying down.    -   their lack of aesthetics when the wearer of the jewel is        observed from behind and that we see the posterior face of the        lobe of his ear.

The international design patent WIP076529, dated Oct. 23, 2018, made bythe owner of this patent application, describes a system of earringwithout clasp neither removable nor mechanical requiring force insertionfrom the flame side.

A difference in diameter between the rod and the flame allows the jewelto stay in place. However, this known solution has several drawbacks,three of which are notable: the first is due to the absence of a tip toguide the piercing and make it move through the thickness of the piercedskin.

The second is due to the inadequate dimensions of the flame:proportionally too large compared to the rod (which is adapted to thediameter of the hole), its passage in force causes pain. The thirddisadvantage is due to the lack of management of the relative weights ofthe pattern and the flame resulting in an unwanted imbalance of thejewel.

US 2010/122553 describes an example of a monolithic piercing intended tobe inserted into a previously pierced skin hole of a user.

The present invention proposes to correct the defects of these priorart.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is to improve the closure systems forlightweight piercings and so-called “chip” earrings by producing a jewelthat can be held in place without resorting to the presence of amechanical or removable clasp, thanks in particular to the geometry ofits shape as well as the elasticity of the skin.

Another object of the present invention consists in proposing a piercingdevice which is inexpensive to manufacture and provides an economicaland elegant solution to the problem posed.

The device according to the invention makes it possible to achieve theseobjectives. It makes it possible to perform a monolithic piercingintended to be inserted into a previously pierced skin hole of a user,comprising:

-   -   a tip configured to guide the piercing through the hole and to        allow the proper presentation of a dilation bulb to the said        skin hole;    -   a bulb, presented as an ovoid bulge, configured to ensure first        of all the gradual and painless dilation of the skin hole during        insertion, but also the retention of the piercing once it is in        place    -   a stem configured to rest in the tunnel hole of the skin, which        has a diameter and a length exactly adapted to those of the        hole, and which constitutes the center of gravity of the        piercing    -   a terminal part constituting an ornamental part, wherein the        tip, the bulb and the stem cooperate to ensure a triple function        of insertion, maintenance in place and removal of the piercing        allowed by the guidance and the dilation of the skin hole    -   wherein any cross-section of the bulb is greater than any        cross-section of the stem and any cross-section of the tip    -   wherein the ornamental terminal part has a sufficient volume        and/or characteristic dimension to prevent it from passing        through the skin hole and    -   wherein the weight of the ornamental terminal part is equal,        with a tolerance of 10%, to the cumulative weights of the tip        and the bulb, which creates a system of balance on either side        of the stem allowing the permanent maintenance of the in situ        piercing and proper placement of the pattern on the skin.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the ratio between themaximum perimeter PB of the bulb and the perimeter PT of the stem isbetween 1.3 and 2.1 and rather between 1.5 and 1.9 and preferably equalat 1.7.

Preferably, the tip 110 and the bulb 120 extend together in a firstlongitudinal direction L and the stem 200 extends in a secondlongitudinal direction L2. These two directions L1 and L2 can be eithercombined or distinct.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics, object and advantages of the invention willappear on reading the description and the drawings below, given solelyby way of non-limiting examples. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates the general structure of a piercing 1 seen in lateralprojection.

FIG. 2 illustrates the same model seen in axial projection showing anembodiment of the bulb having a round section.

FIG. 3 illustrates the structure of the preferred embodiment, POP,viewed in side projection.

FIG. 4 illustrates the same model seen in axial projection showing anembodiment of the bulb having an oval section.

FIG. 5 illustrates the evolution of the structure of all models in theseries according to the preferred embodiment, POP, size by size.

FIG. 6 illustrates the evolution of the structure of all models of aseries according to an alternative embodiment, showing a conical tip.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment in side projection showinga bulb having a flat.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment in axial projection showing a bulbhaving a flat on each side.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment in lateral projectionmounting the curved stem along two characteristic axes L1 and L2.

FIG. 10 illustrates a variant still in lateral projection mounting acurved stem following a partially circular profile.

FIG. 11 illustrates the structure of the two size testers. (Detailedpoint 152)

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the structure of the piercingreferred to as FUN showing a very stretched bulb and a conical tip, bothof oval section, and the alpha and beta angles close to 180°.

FIG. 13 illustrates several piercings according to the POP and FUNversions side by side in order to appreciate the relative volumes ofseveral patterns and several bulbs. FIG. 13A is a POP model in size 00,with a sphere-shaped pattern and a compact bulb. FIG. 13B is a POP modelin size 1 with horn-shaped pattern and compact bulb. FIG. 13C is a FUNmodel in size 3 with claw-like pattern and stretched bulb.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiments of the invention are now described and, forthe sake of clarity and conciseness, we will first insist on the generalcharacteristics of the solution being proposed (Section 1) which make itpossible to solve the technical problem posed, before detailing furtherthe preferred implementation (Section 2).

We will then focus on the use of the proposed piercing, which proves tobe of obvious comfort during insertion, maintenance or removal (Section3). Alternative embodiments will then be discussed (Section 4) as wellas the advantages of the invention and considerations of industrialapplications (Section 5). Finally, an exhaustive nomenclature willfinally close the presentation (Section 6).

In general, section means any cross section made perpendicular to alongitudinal direction. A section has an area and a perimeter.

SECTION 1. GENERAL STRUCTURE OF THE PROPOSED SOLUTION: PIERCING 1

To avoid having to resort to any mechanical or removable clasp and totake advantage of the elasticity properties of the skin, the inventorproposes making a monolithic, rigid, non-deformable piercing 1, ofunprecedented shape, which consists of four constituent elementsillustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 6 : a tip 110, an expansion bulb 120, astem 200 finally followed by a terminal part 300. (FIG. 1 )

The tip 110 has a cross-section of variable shape, preferably round oroval, configured to allow easy insertion of the piercing 1 thanks to theguidance and proper presentation of the bulb to the user's pierced hole.It extends along a first direction L1. Its length allows it to just comeout the other side of the tunnel hole when the bulb begins to engage.

The bulb 120 has a cross section of variable shape but preferably roundor oval. It looks like a bulge, for example ovoid, located between thetip 110 and the stem 200. The bulb extends in a direction LB which, inthe embodiment of FIG. 1 is identical to L1. The perimeter of any bulbcross-section is greater than the perimeter of any stem and tipcross-sections. It is configured to cause a beneficially gradual andpainless dilation of the epidermis during insertion and removal.Moreover, it has several different perimeters of which only one ismaximal. Advantageously, the difference between the maximum perimeter ofthe bulb 120 and the perimeter of the stem generates a stop whichretains the piercing once it is in place. In one embodiment particularof the invention, the ratio between the maximum perimeter PB of the bulb120 and the perimeter PT of the stem 200 is between 1.3 and 2.1 andrather between 1.5 and 1.9 and preferably equal to 1.7.

Due to its geometry, the bulb concentrates the majority of the mass ofthe technical part. If its perimeter is invariably linked to theperimeter of the stem according to the relationship stated in theprevious point, its length can vary so as to modify its weight. Thelatter, combined with that of the tip, counterbalances the weight of thepattern.

Depending on the size of the model, the bulb is stretched or compact,which gives it a more or less domed character. This aspect isrepresented by the value of the angles alpha and beta, which aremeasured from two tangents to the bulb, one on the tip side and theother on the stem side and from the two directions L1 and L2.

More specifically the angle α formed by the tangent to the bulb from anypoint of the first perimeter 410, located between the tip 110 and thebulb 120, and by a first longitudinal direction L1 corresponding to alongitudinal direction of the tip 110 —forms an obtuse angle greaterthan 135°. This a value illustrates the low slope of the bulb, on thetip side, which advantageously allows the skin of the hole to expandgently during insertion. This angle can vary from 135 to 180° dependingon the different size configurations and model options.

More specifically, the angle β formed by the tangent to the bulb 120from any point on the second perimeter 510, located between the bulb 120and the stem 200, and by a second longitudinal directionL2—corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the stem 200—is between90° and 180°. The value of 13 smoothens the slope of the obstacleconstituted by the bulb for the epidermis of the hole during removal.Unlike insertion (where the tip travels through the hole to guide thebulb), during removal, it is the stem that serves as a guide for thebulb, and it is already in place. Thus, in use, the inventor noted thatremoving the piercing seemed easier than inserting it, which allows thesmall extreme value of β (90°) to be lower than that of α (135°).Advantageously, this smaller value of the angle β still allows painlessremoval of the piercing 1. As α, β may vary according to theconfigurations considered by the designer, while remaining within theranges of values mentioned above.

The stem 200 has a cross-section of variable shape, preferably round oroval. Its profile is preferably cylindrical. It extends in a seconddirection L2. It is configured to adapt to the diameter and length ofthe “tunnel” hole in the user's skin. It measures between 3 and 15 mmdepending on the anatomical situation of the hole.

The terminal part 300 materializes the ornamental pattern, which can beof various shapes provided that it has a volume and/or a characteristicdimension sufficient to prevent it from passing through the hole in theskin. The pattern creates the final stop which serves as a stop andmarks the end of the insertion. The terminal part 300 must be both largeenough not to pass through the drilled hole and small enough for itsweight to be less than or equal to the combined weights of the tip 110and the bulb 120, as described in point 48 below. Thus the 300 patternis as minimalist as the 120 bulb.

The first three elements 110, 120 and 200 may advantageously result froma same manufacturing process and cooperate to achieve the functionaltechnical part ensuring a triple function of insertion, holding in placeand removal of the piercing 1.

In order for the jewel to hold in place in a harmonious and durable way,the mass of the motif must always be less than or equal to the sum ofthe masses of the tip and the bulb. Thus, an ideal placement of thepattern is obtained, which advantageously remains pressed against theskin.

The tip 110, the bulb 120 and the stem 200 each extend along thelongitudinal directions L1, LB and L2. These three directions arepreferably combined (Detailed in the variants)

Such a structural form has very advantageous physical and geometriccharacteristics. It results in a monolithic jewel that is inexpensive tomanufacture, elegant and comfortable to wear, of great simplicity, whosetechnical part has a smooth and harmonious outline devoid of any acuteangle. First, the tip 110 guides the progression of the jewel in thehole and allows the optimal presentation of the bulb 120 to the drilledhole of the user. Secondly, the bulb 120 causes thanks to its particularshape, for example ovoid, and at its widest perimeter a brief andcontrolled dilation of the epidermis, compatible with its elasticcapacity, during the insertion and withdrawal phases. Thus the skin doesnot have time to be deformed and immediately resumes its usual shapearound the stem 200. The bulb 120 also serves as a passive clasp byforming an abutment which retains the piercing 1 as soon as the latteris put in place. Finally, the pattern 300 not only serves as a terminalstop but also as a decoration, while advantageously counterbalancing theweights of the bulb 120 and the tip 110. Thus the piercing 1 restsharmoniously by its stem inside the hole, and its two ends, located onthe surface of the skin, advantageously prevent it from escaping andbalance the jewel.

In use, the inventor has noted that it is common for a user to haveseveral holes of different diameters in the same anatomical area, inparticular on the earlobe. The value of the diameter of the hole isrevealed when trying on the jewel and cannot be guessed by eye. It isnot possible to acquire a piercing with a diameter that is too smallthat you would quickly lose, or with a diameter that is too large andthat would not fit into the hole. This is why the invention describedhere is envisaged in several sizes, for example 6 distinct sizes. Sizenumbering is based on stem diameter.

The increase in the diameter of the stem from one size to another isdone in increments of 0.1 mm. It is the extent of the choice of sizesthat makes the model complex although the shape of its outline is verysimple. Thus the shape of each model evolves subtly from size to sizeand all 6 sizes of the same model give a series. The shape variationsare governed by mathematical rules establishing a continuous solutionfor each series. From one size to another, the largest perimeter of thebulb increases in proportion to the perimeter of the stem, and this,whatever the embodiments, so as to respect the ratio PB/PT=1.7. On theother hand, the other dimensions may undergo slight variations,homothetic or not, to meet design or weight requirements in order toadvantageously control the decorative aspect and production costs.

When all its dimensions increase proportionally with the diameter of thestem, piercing 1 undergoes a homothetic increase. All its dimensions, afortiori those of the pattern, are increasingly large, whichadvantageously increases the possibilities in terms of design of thepattern. However, the overall weight of piercing 1 increases, whichaffects the cost of raw material and leads to a great disparity in theprices per piece.

When the lengths of the bulb 120 and the tip 110 vary inverselyproportional to the perimeter of the stem 200 (thanks to a moderatingcoefficient) a series of piercings 1 is obtained within which the shapeof the technical part changes by one size to another. Firstly, the morethe perimeter of the elements of the technical part increases, the moretheir length decreases, so the technical part is more and more compactfrom size to size, which gives new shapes. Secondly, as the weight ofthe bulb 120 and of the tip 110 increases slowly, the volume of thepatterns changes very little from one size to another, which can beadvantageous with respect to aesthetics (for example accumulation of thesame patterns on an ear with different hole diameters). Thirdly, byrestricting the lengths, and therefore the weights, we advantageouslyreduce the costs of raw materials and we can offer a single price forall the piercings 1 of the same series (except if they are set withprecious stones, to which case the cost of the gem takes precedence overthe cost of the weight of metal).

There are other series with a length of 120 bulb and 110 tip that remainconstant when piercing 1 changes in size. These are intermediate seriesbetween the two previous ones, series where the 300 pattern growsmoderately.

There are other series where the tip 110 is tapered. This version isdetailed in the section “alternative embodiment, variant at the tip”.

Preferably the piercing is an earring.

Preferably the piercing 1 is rigid.

SECTION 2. STRUCTURE OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiment is particularly illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. The preferred embodiment will be referred to as POP

The Tip [110]

It is the first end of the POP piercing. It itself has, as can be seenin FIG. 3 , a first free end 111 and a second end 410 which is the firstperimeter, exactly located at its junction with the bulb 120.

Advantageously according to the preferred embodiment, the tip 110 iscylindrical, of constant perimeter PP equal to 0.9 to 1.3 times that ofthe stem 200, but preferably equal to 1.1, and its length measures 2 mmto 5 mm. Slightly increasing the diameter of the tip makes it heavier(without the user feeling it during insertion) and consequentlyincreases the volume of the pattern and the design possibilities.

The Bulb 120

It has two ends, namely a first end 410 having a first perimeter on thetip side 110 and a second end 510 having a second perimeter on the stemside 200 and extends in a direction LB. It has an ovoid profile and,according to the preferred embodiment, an advantageously oval section inorder to present two zones suitable for marking the logotype of thebrand.

Any perimeter of bulb 120 is greater than any perimeter PP of tip 110and any perimeter PT of stem 200. The bulb 120 has among its manyperimeters, a maximum perimeter denoted PB. The ratio between themaximum perimeter PB of the bulb 120 and any perimeter PT of the stem200 is between 1.3 and 2.2, rather between 1.5 and 1.9 and preferablyequal to 1.7.

At the first end of the bulb 120 there is an angle α which is the angleformed by a tangent to the bulb 120 at any point of its perimeter 410and by the first longitudinal direction L1. Preferably, according to thepreferred embodiment, the angle α is an obtuse angle, between 135° and180°, preferably between 160 and 170° and preferably equal to 165°.

At the second end of the bulb 120 there is an angle β, which is theangle formed by a tangent to the bulb 120 at any point of the secondperimeter 510 and by the second longitudinal direction L2. Preferably,according to the preferred embodiment, the angle β is an obtuse angle,between 90° and 150° and preferably between 115° and 125° and preferablyequal to 120°.

According to this POP mode, the direction LB of the bulb 120 coincideswith the first longitudinal direction L1

The Stem 200

The stem or rod 200 is located between the bulb 120 and the pattern 300.Its first end is the second perimeter 510 and its second end is thepattern 300.

Advantageously according to the preferred embodiment, it is cylindricaland its diameter determines the designation of the sizes of the model.

The stem 200 extends in a second longitudinal direction denoted L2.Preferably in the preferred embodiment, L2 coincides with the firstdirection L1 of the tip, itself coincides with the direction LB of thebulb 120.

The length of the stem 200 is adapted to the length of the user's“tunnel” hole. For the lobe of an ear, its length varies between 3 and 6mm. Preferably, the rod can have several predefined values depending onthe location of the piercing on the ear and the age of the user.

The 300 Pattern

It is located at the second end of the stem 200.

It is an ornamental part which can take any form provided that itsvolume is sufficient and/or at least one of its characteristicdimensions is sufficient to prevent it from passing through the hole. Inthis preferred embodiment, the weight of the pattern is equal to that ofthe cumulative weight of the tip 110 and the bulb 120 with a toleranceof 10%.

The Series According to the Preferred Embodiment:

Thus according to the POP mode, preferred embodiment, the tip and thestem are cylindrical, the tip has a diameter slightly greater than thatof the stem, the bulb is oval without a flat, α and β are equal to 165°and 120° and the three directions L1, LB and L2 are identical: all theparts are aligned and the piercing is straight as a whole. The jewel,which is an earring, is held horizontally in a harmonious and durableway thanks to the equal weight of its ends.

SECTION 3. INSERTION, MAINTENANCE AND REMOVAL (FROM PIERCING 1)

Most often, the user has no idea of the diameter of his hole. It's bestto try a size small first. It goes without saying that the artificialhole must be perfectly healed. It is recommended to moisten the holewith water or an antiseptic solution. Opportunity, we can use a testeras described in the “accessories” section below.

With one hand, the user inserts the piercing 1 through the tip 110 whilefirmly holding the surrounding skin with the other hand. In the case ofthe earlobe, it is helpful to pull the lobe down and back so as tostretch the skin and cause the hole to open slightly. When you feel theend 111 of the tip 110 on the other side of the lobe, the insertion isvery good.

Advantageously, the tip 110 serves as a guide so as to allow properengagement of the expansion bulb 200 in the hole.

Advantageously, the value of the angle α allows painless insertion ofpiercing 1 thanks to a very gradual dilation of the skin.

The user increases the pressure of his fingers on the pattern 300 topass the largest perimeter of the bulb 120 slightly forcefully throughthe hole thanks to the elasticity of the skin. It is necessary to forcea little, without causing pain, and this is left to the appreciation ofeach one. The epidermis expands as the bulb 120 passes, then immediatelytightens around the stem 200.

Although the sensation that the bulb 120 has passed is clear, it ispreferable to check, by bending the lobe, that the bulb 120 has fullyemerged on the other side and is playing its role as a non-return stop.Once in place, you have to pull on the 300 motif to test the hold of thejewel. If piercing 1 comes out easily, repeat the procedure with thelarger size. Piercing 1 should resist removal to some extent.

The relative perimeters of the bulb 120 and the stem 200 have beenparticularly studied to respect the elastic capacity of the epidermis.This stems from the elongation capacity of a protein: elastin. It is thevolume of the bulb 120 which determines the choice of the size of thepiercing: if the bulb does not pass, the user must return to the sizebelow.

Once the piercing [1] is in place, it rests in the hole by its stem 200.The bulb 120 and the pattern 300 each constitute, on either side of thehole, a sufficient volume to prevent the piercing 1 from escaping.

Advantageously, the value of the difference between the perimeters PB ofthe bulb 120 and PT of the stem 200 creates a stop that is bothsufficient to oppose a passive resistance to the fall of the jewelduring the natural movements of the user and compatible with thewithdrawal asset of the jewel according to the will of its wearer.

Thus, the piercing 1 once in place is maintained by its shape as well asby the elasticity of the skin, without adding any moving or removablepart. Thus, due to its structural shape, the jewel can be held in placewithout the use of any clasp.

To remove the piercing 1, the user pulls on the pattern or pushes on theend 111 of the tip 110 while firmly holding the surrounding skin.Advantageously, the surrounding skin can be moistened. The epidermisdistends to overcome the stop in the opposite direction to the insertionexplained above and let the bulb 120 pass.

Advantageously the stem 200 serves as a guide for the engagement of thebulb 120 in the hole during removal, and the latter is easier thaninsertion.

Advantageously, the value of the angle β allows painless removal of thepiercing 1 thanks to a sufficiently gradual dilation of the skin.

SECTION 4. OTHER EMBODIMENTS 4.1. Variants of the Preferred Embodiment

Alternative embodiments may be considered according to variousadjustments and characteristics below, which authorizes multipleversions and many and various forms. Other shapes may be consideredwithout limiting the subject of this patent application.

The following variants can be associated with each other.

Variants for the Tip 110

In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 , the tip 110 has a crosssection of variable shape, preferably round or oval, and a conicalprofile.

It is in the form of a truncated cone having perimeter 111 as its firstend and perimeter 410 as its second end located at the junction betweensaid tip 110 and bulb 120. The perimeter value 111 is greater than orequal to 0.8 mm. The value of the remarkable perimeter 410 is greaterthan the value of the first perimeter 111 and determines the taper.However, any perimeter PP of the tip always remains less than anyperimeter PB of the bulb.

The tip 110 extends in a first longitudinal direction L1.

With its two ends of different perimeter, the tip 110 has a tapervarying between 2% and 30% depending on the embodiment and the size ofthe piercing. The conicity is constant in a homothetic series andvariable in a series whose bulb and tip lengths are restrained by amoderating coefficient. (FIG. 6 ).

The angle α is the angle formed by a tangent to the bulb at any point ofits perimeter 410 and by the first longitudinal direction L1. It isvariable in a series whose point has a variable taper, its value isbetween 155 and 180° and tends towards 180° in the large sizes of thisseries.

Variants at Bulb Level 120.

In another embodiment, the bulb 120 has 1 or 2 flats 121, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 .

The largest perimeter PB of the bulb 120 of the piercing carried outaccording to this alternative mode nevertheless respects thecharacteristic according to which the ratio between the maximumperimeter PB of the bulb 120 with flats 121 and the perimeter PT of therod 200 is between 1.3 and 2.1 and rather between 1.5 and 1.9 andpreferably equal to 1.7.

These flats can advantageously accommodate the hallmark and/or the brandlogotype.

Variants in Directions L1 and L2:

In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 9 , the first and seconddirections L1 and L2 can be slightly angled. This option can be used inthe case where the pattern of the piercing has a meaning to respect (forexample a heart). This allows the piercing to be oriented advantageouslybecause the bulb will always be positioned with the tip down, carryingthe pattern with it.

Variants at the Stem [200]

In another embodiment, the stem appears with a curvature (FIG. 9 ). Inthe case of wearing the piercing vertically, for example at the navel,this option advantageously allows the piercing not to bend the skin.

4.2. Description of a Specific Embodiment, Piercing 2.

We will now describe a specific embodiment, designated as piercing #2.This piercing is monolithic and rigid, non-deformable, withoutmechanism, made in one piece and without any removable part. Thispiercing model is advantageously an earring.

Piercing #2 consists of a tip 1100, a bulb 1200, a stem 2000 and aending pattern 3000. Piercing 2 has certain characteristics thatdifferentiate it from piercing 1, described previously: the shape of itsbulb 1200 is so elongated that it merges at its two ends with the tip1100 and the stem 2000 thus the two angles α and β tend around 180°, andthe mass of the ends on either side of the stem 2000 has a cleardifference, namely that the mass of the pattern is lower than that ofthe bulb and the tip combined.

The tip 1100 of piercing #2 has a conical profile and a round or ovalsection in accordance with the diameter of the user's pierced hole. Itextends along a first direction denoted L1100.

The tip 1100 is configured to allow easy insertion of piercing 2 thanksto the guidance and proper presentation of the bulb to the user'spierced hole. Its length allows it to just come out the other side ofthe tunnel hole when the bulb begins to engage.

Any perimeter of Pointe 1100 is denoted PP. Two of these perimeters arehowever noteworthy: the perimeter of its free end 1110 and the perimeterof its other end, which joins the bulb 1200 and which is called thefirst perimeter 4100. The perimeter 1110 is the smallest of the 1100 tipperimeters and is equal to that of the stem 2000 with a 10% tolerance.Any perimeter PP of the tip 1100 is less than any perimeter PB of thebulb 1200.

The bulb 1200 has an oblong profile, and a round or oval section. Itextends in a second direction noted L1200.

The bulb is configured to cause a beneficially gradual and painlessdilation of the epidermis during insertion and removal. Its first end,at the tip side 1200, corresponds to the first perimeter 4100. Itssecond end joins stem 2000, and the perimeter of this second end iscalled second perimeter 5100. Any PB perimeter of the bulb is greaterthan any PP perimeter of the tip 1100 and any PT perimeter of the stem2000.

The bulb 1200 has a multitude of different perimeters of which only oneis maximum. The largest perimeter PB of the bulb 1200 of the FUNpiercing made according to this specific mode respects the followingcharacteristic in which the ratio between the maximum perimeter PB ofthe bulb 1200 and the perimeter PT of the rod 2000 is between 1.3 and2.1 and rather between 1.5 and 1.9 and preferably equal to 1.7.

The section of the bulb increases slowly from the value of the perimeter4100 on the tip side 1100, until its perimeter reaches the value PB ofthe maximum perimeter, then decreases slowly until it reaches the valueof the perimeter 5100 on the stem side 2000.

The stem 2000 has a cylindrical profile and a round or oval section. Itextends in a third direction noted L2000. Its length is equivalent tothe thickness of the pierced skin.

Any perimeter PT of the stem 2000 is less than any perimeter PB of thebulb 1200. The value of the perimeter PT of the stem 2000 determines themaximum perimeter of the bulb PB according to the ratio defined in point121.

The stem 2000 is the support of the piercing when it is in place. Theepidermis of the drilled hole tightened around it after being brieflystretched by the passage of bulb 1200 during insertion. Stem 2000 guidesbulb 1200 during removal.

The end part 3000 supports the ornamental pattern, which can be ofvarious shapes provided that it has a volume and/or a characteristicdimension sufficient to prevent it from passing through the hole in theskin. The pattern creates the final stop which serves as a stop andmarks the end of the insertion.

The 3 directions L1100, L1200 and L2000 are curved and link togetherharmoniously without breaking.

The angle α is G angle formed by the tangent to the bulb 1200 from anypoint of the first perimeter 4100 and by the first longitudinaldirection L1100.

The angle β is the angle formed by the tangent to the bulb from anypoint of the second perimeter 5100 and by the third longitudinaldirection L2000.

In a preferred embodiment of the piercing #2, the two angles tendtowards 180° and these values allow a harmonious continuity at the levelof the surfaces of the tip 1100 to the bulb 1200 and of the bulb 1200 tothe stem 2000.

Thus the tip 1100, the bulb 1200 and the stem 2000 of the piercing #2merge into one another to give a piece of jewelry having a continuousprofile (without marked variation in volume, without visible change inthe inclination of the surfaces, or without a break in the alignment ofthe tangents or without apparent demarcation). The distinction of the 4parts is made during the design of the 3D model and is not obvious tothe eye.

Stretching the bulb 1200 increases its mass significantly. The bulb 1200of piercing #2 is 1.5 to 3 times heavier than the pattern 3000. Thisdifference in weight on either side of the stem 2000 causes a verticalrocking of the piercing #2 around the stem 2000 and its particularplacement in space, the bulb 1200 pulling downwards and/or the rearcausing the 3000 pattern that fits perfectly on the lobe. Gravity keepspiercing #2 in this same position permanently. The weight of the bulb isadvantageously used to retain the piercing 2. The larger PB perimeter ofthe 1200 bulb is an additional security so that the piercing 2 does notescape during exceptional movements of the user.

On the other hand, the bulb 1200 of piercing 2 is clearly visible thanksto its length and its perimeter. It protrudes behind the lobe andpresents itself advantageously as an ornamental element in its ownright.

Model #2 is, like piercing #1, available in sizes so that each user canfind a model exactly suited to the diameter of their pierced hole.

All the piercings complying with model #1 or model #2 have their sizecalculated and named with reference to their stem 200 or stem 2000diameter. The perimeter of the bulbs 120 or 1200 is calculated inrelation to the perimeter of the stems 200 or 2000.

The sizes defined for all piercings 1 and all piercings 2 are the same.For example, size 2 of a piercing #1 corresponds to size 2 of a piercing#2 . . . The size testers can be used for piercings #1 and piercings #2indifferently.

SECTION 5. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Piercing #1 is a millimetric object. Made entirely of 24-carat platinum,for example, the toughest and most dense biocompatible materialavailable to us, this jewel, in its largest size, weighs around 1 g.

Piercing #2 is 2 to 5 cm high depending on size and model and can weighup to 3 g.

Due to its rigid, non-deformable monolithic shape, this jewel isindestructible, with no removable or mechanical clasp.

Due to the absence of an acute angle and/or clasp, cleaning the jewel,even in place, is easy and efficient and bacterial deposits are reducedto a minimum.

Due to its smallness and lightness, the jewel is completely forgotten bythe user, which makes it exceptionally comfortable.

Due to its sobriety, the technical part of the jewel is an ornamentalelement in its own right which can be advantageously visible.

In addition, this piercing can be made from multiple materials, and bymeans of a manufacturing process of the most economical.

The Materials.

Piercing #1 and piercing #2 can be made of metal and/or alloy of metals,precious and non-precious, but also of ceramic, glass, crystal, horn,bone or any sufficiently tenacious and bio-compatible material.

Preferably piercing #1 and/or piercing #2 are made of a single material.However, different materials can be used for each of the tip, bulb, stemand pattern parts.

Pattern 300 of piercing #1 and/or pattern 3000 of piercing #2 mayinclude a cosmetic inlay: lacquer, mother-of-pearl, precious stone orimitation . . . which may be, in a non-exhaustive manner, crimped orglued.

Manufacturing Process

The piercing [1] or the FUN piercing can be cast, machined or printed asa whole. They can also be assembled with parts from differentmanufacturing methods.

Accessories: Testers . . .

A set of size testers (FIG. 11 ) allows each user to quickly determinethe diameter of their pierced hole to immediately choose the appropriatesize of piercing #1 or piercing #2 to insert.

Currently there are two testers for 6 piercing sizes. One tester worksfor 3 consecutive sizes. There is one for sizes 00, 0 and 1 and anotherfor sizes 2, 3 and 4.

A size tester results from the juxtaposition of 3 piercings #1 accordingto the preferred embodiment, without their stem or their pattern. Onlytips and bulbs are juxtaposed and aligned in ascending order of theirsize. At the end of the biggest of the three bulbs is a gripping plateon which the numbers of the sizes are engraved in a clearly visible way.

The user begins by inserting the smallest tester by the tip, holding itby the grip plate. If the first bulb (size 00) passes through the holewithout difficulty, he must continue to thread the tester and pass thenext bulb. The size of the ideal piercing is determined by the bulbpreceding the one that cannot pass. For example: the 3rd bulb(corresponding to a size 1 piercing) of the small tester does not passthrough the drilled hole. The pierced hole can therefore receive apiercing of the size of the second bulb, corresponding to a size 0. Forexample, if the 3 bulbs of the small tester pass easily through thedrilled hole, then you must try the second tester which is larger andrepeat the operation.

SECTION 6 AND FINAL: REFERENCES

-   (1) Piercing according to the preferred embodiment.-   (110) tip-   (111) Free end of the tip.-   (120) Bulb.-   (121) Flat.-   (200) Stem-   (300) Ornamental pattern.-   (410) First perimeter, resulting from the section of the piercing 1    at the border between the tip 110 and the bulb 120.-   (510) Second perimeter, resulting from the section of the piercing 1    at the level of the border between the bulb 120 and the stem 200.-   (L1) First longitudinal direction, that of the tip 110 and the bulb    120.-   (L2) Second longitudinal direction, that of the stem 200.-   (PB) Largest bulb perimeter.-   (PT) Perimeter of the stem at a considered point along its length.-   (PP) Perimeter of the point at a point considered along its length.-   (α) Angle formed by the tangent to the bulb from any point of the    first perimeter 410 and by the first longitudinal direction L1.-   (β) Angle formed by the tangent to the bulb from any point of the    second perimeter 510 and by the second longitudinal direction L2 L1.-   Piercing #2 according to an alternative and specific embodiment.-   (1100) tip.-   (1110) tip end-   (1200) bulb-   (2000) stem-   (3000) ornamental pattern.-   (4100) First perimeter, resulting from the section of piercing 2 at    the level of the border between the tip 1100 and the bulb 1200.-   (5100) Second perimeter, resulting from the section of the piercing    2 at the level of the border between the bulb 1200 and the stem    2000.-   (L1100) (first) longitudinal direction in which the tip 1100    extends.-   (L1200) (second) longitudinal direction in which the bulb 1200    extends.-   (L2000) (third) longitudinal direction along which the stem 2000    extends.-   (PB) Largest bulb perimeter 1200.-   (PT) Perimeter of stem 2000 at its junction with pattern 3000.-   (PP) Perimeter of the tip 1100 at its end 1110.-   (α) Angle formed, at the level of the intersection between the tip    and the bulb in a sectional view, by the bulb 1200 at the first    longitudinal direction L1100. (α) Angle formed by the tangent to the    bulb 1200 from any point of the first perimeter 4100 and by the    first longitudinal direction L1100.-   (β) Angle formed, at the level of the intersection between the bulb    and the stem in a sectional view, by the tangent to the bulb from    any point of the second perimeter 5100 and by (a straight line    located on the surface of the stem and parallel to) the third    longitudinal direction l_2000(β) Angle formed by the tangent to the    bulb 1200 from any point of the second perimeter 5100 and by the    second longitudinal direction L2000.

1. A monolithic piercing (1), intended to be inserted into a previouslypierced hole in the skin of a user, the piercing comprising: a tip(110), configured to allow guidance and suitable presentation of a bulbof dilation upon insertion into said skin hole; a dilation bulb (120),having an ovoid profile, of cross-section of variable shape, havingseveral different perimeters of which only one is maximum, said bulb(120) being configured to ensure a progressive and painless dilation ofthe skin during guiding piercing in the hole; a stem (200) configured tomatch the length and diameter of the skin tunnel hole and providesupport for the piercing; and an ornamental end portion (300)constituting an ornamental pattern having a sufficiently large volumeand/or characteristic dimension to prevent the piercing from passingthrough the skin hole; wherein the tip (110), the bulb (120) and thestem (200) cooperate to ensure a triple function of insertion, holdingin place and removal of the piercing permitted by the guidance and thedilation of the hole; and wherein the perimeter PB of any cross sectionof the bulb (120) is greater than the perimeter PP of any cross sectionof the tip (110) and the perimeter PT of any cross section of the stem(200); and wherein the weight of the ornamental end portion (300) isequal, with a 10% tolerance, to the combined weight of the tip (110) andthe bulb (120); and wherein the ratio between the maximum perimeter PBof the bulb (120) and any perimeter PT of the stem (200) is between 1.3and 2.1 and rather between 1.5 and 1.9 and preferably equal to 1.7; andwherein the angle α formed by the tangent to the bulb (120) from anypoint of the first remarkable perimeter (410), located between the tip(110) and the bulb (120), and by the first longitudinal direction L1 ofthe tip (110) is between 135° and 180°; and wherein the angle β formedby the tangent to the bulb (120) from any point of the second remarkableperimeter (510), located between the bulb (120) and the stem (200), andby the first direction longitudinal L1 of the tip (110) is between 90°and 135°.
 2. The piercing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the tip(110) and the bulb (120) extend along a first longitudinal direction(L1), and the stem (200) extends along a second longitudinal direction(L2).
 3. The piercing (1) according to claim 2, in which the bulb (120)comprises at least one flat.
 4. The piercing (1) according to claim 1wherein the stem is curved.
 5. A monolithic and rigid (FUN) piercing,made in one piece, without any removable part, without mechanism,intended to be inserted into a previously pierced skin hole of a user,the piercing comprising: a tip (1100), configured to allow properguidance and presentation of a dilatation bulb during insertion intosaid skin hole; a dilation bulb (1200), having an oblong profile, ofcross-section of variable shape, having several different perimeters ofwhich only one is maximum, said bulb (1200) being configured to ensure aprogressive and painless dilation of the skin during guiding piercing inthe hole; a stem (2000) configured to match the length and diameter ofthe skin tunnel hole and provide support for the piercing; and anornamental end portion (3000) constituting an ornamental pattern havinga volume and/or a characteristic dimension large enough to prevent thepiercing from passing through the skin hole; and wherein the tip (1100),the bulb (1200) and the stem (2000) cooperate to ensure a triplefunction of insertion, holding in place and removal of the piercingpermitted by the guidance and the dilation of the hole; and wherein theperimeter PB of any cross section of the bulb (1200) is greater than theperimeter PP of any cross section of the tip (1100) and the perimeter PTof any cross section of the stem (2000); and wherein the weight of theornamental end portion (3000) is 1.5 to 3 times less than the combinedweight of the tip (1100) and the bulb (1200); and wherein the ratiobetween the maximum perimeter PB of the bulb (1200) and any perimeter PTof the stem (2000) is between 1.3 and 2.1; and wherein the angle αformed by the tangent to the bulb (1200) from any point of the firstremarkable perimeter (4100), located between the point (1100) and thebulb (1200), and by the first direction longitudinal L1100 of the tip(1100) tends towards 180°; and wherein the angle β formed by the tangentto the bulb (1200) from any point of the second remarkable perimeter(5100), located between the bulb (1200) and the stem (2000), and by thethird direction longitudinal L2000 of the stem (2000) tends towards180°.
 6. The piercing of claim 5 wherein the ratio between the maximumperimeter PB of the bulb (1200) and any perimeter PT of the stem (2000)is between 1.5 and 1.9.
 7. The piercing of claim 5 wherein the ratiobetween the maximum perimeter PB of the bulb (1200) and any perimeter PTof the stem (2000) is preferably equal to 1.7.